Wrestlemania

…For those who don’t know her background, Mary Ellison aka The Fabulous Moolah is one of, if not the most decorated Female Wrestler ever. She held the Women’s Championship for 10 years. She was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1995. She won her last title at the age of 75 and made various appearances on WWE programming until her death in 2007. No one questions her wrestling accolades, which are many and that is what WWE focused on when the Women’s Battle Royale was originally named in her honor.

…The problem is the rightfully placed outrage stems from her shady practices as a manager and trainer. The daughter Sweet Georgia Brown (real name Susie Mae McCoy), who was one of her proteges alleged Ellison had her raped and kept her drugged to control her as well as stiffed her earnings. Ellison denied the alligations until Luna Machon–some of you may remember her from her WWE days in the early 90s–came forward. When she was 16, Ellison sent her to pose for an older male accuaintance of hers. It wasn’t nude but that doesn’t make it any less shady. Other women who attended her wrestling school or worked her promotion would come forward with similar stories, saying Ellison demanded “Personal Services” before they would be paid.

Anywho, since the was before “The Incident”–I’m referring to Chris Benoit’s Double Murder-Suicide–WWE overlooked the alligations and chose to focus on her wrestling stats. She is considered The First Lady of WWE alligations aside so…yeah. All that said, being reminded of what kind of person she was forced WWE to take immediate action and change the name of the event to the Wrestlemania Women’s Battle Royale.

I do think the new name is a placeholder. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if WWE announces a new permanent name in another female wrestler’s honor before Wrestlemania 34. They have plenty of time.

A few names that immediately come to mind:

Chyna: She was known at The 9th Wonder of the World (Andre The Giant was the 8th). She died two years ago at the age of 46 from a drug overdose but most choose to remember her before her fall. She is one of two women in WWE history–the other being Lita–to have won the Male-exclusive Intercontinental Championship. She was a part of the Degeneration-X stable along with Triple H and Shawn Michaels.

Trish Status: She wasn’t one of my personal faves but everyone knows who she is and what she’s done so…yeah. A VERY safe choice.

Lita: Same as Chyna and Trish.

Charlotte Flair: She’s been on the main roster for 3 years and is already a First Ballot Hall of Fame Inductee when she decides to retire. She is the only Female wrestler to have been NXT Women’s Champion, Divas Champion (retired at Wrestlemania 32, she was the title holder), RAW Women’s Champion and Smackdown Women’s Champion.

…I could go on. It would be very interesting to see if WWE publicly explains why they’re changing the name’s event more than who it will now be named in honor of. That will be really interesting to find out ^_^

Took me a minute to find this video, then couldn’t resist rewatching the whole segment in full:

…The relevant line is at 5:55 of the video. At that point, Cena says “I’m not The Undertaker. I’m not a battered veteran with a bad hip.”

When he called out The Undertaker on this week’s episode of RAW, Cena spoke highly of The Deadman. Clearly he should’ve watched the above video. LOL. Like with the buildup to ‘Taker vs. Bray Wyatt three years ago, ‘Taker doesn’t need to show up in person. Cena has the best mic skills in the company and has since he walked in 15 years ago. He can build the match by himself. That said, I do see ‘Taker appearing to accept the challenge in the next three weeks.

All that said, let’s return to the entirety of the above video. Obviously, Cena destroyed Reigns on the mic. He took him to school and it was obvious especially from the 7:15 mark to about 8:00. Cena literally teaches Reigns during their promo how you cut a good promo (‘cuz John Cena is just that damn good). Cena prettymuch taught him to stop holding back when he does promos and as the new top guy, he has the leeway to go off script. Reigns clearly got it a few minutes later as he becomes more comfortable doing the promo.

Now check out the part this video is cued to:

…SAVAGE.

Cena makes reference Reigns’ recent suspensions at the time from failed drug tests. In one case, Reigns was absent for the buildup for the Triple Threat Match at the 2016 Battleground involving him, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins. Ambrose was booked to retain the title and the match was built without Reigns so Ambrose and Rollins built the match on their own.

Both last week and this week, Reigns was half-cocked and cut some good promos. He wasn’t chewed out last week like he said he would be (it was planned) and this week’s segment involving Vince seemed to indicate there will be sine changes in how Lesnar is used after he presumably drops the title at Wrestlemania. Lesnar got away with holding the top title hostage 3 years ago because there wasn’t a brand split first and at the time, Vince was trying to get Lesnar to commit to WWE longterm.

Roman Reigns cryptically spoiled the Elimination Chamber’s outcome the day before on a CBS sports podcast. He was coy when he said he would look forward to having a Wrestlemania rematch with Roman Reigns. Now it’s official. Reigns wasted no time building for the match, referencing an Instagram picture Lesnar shared showing him pictured with UFC owner Dana White.

This actually seems to confirm speculation Lesnar has been keeping himself prepared for another UFC match. There has been speculation for some this is the real reason he has a part-time schedule with WWE. Lesnar fought Mark Hunt in a UFC match two years ago while still under contract with WWE. Lesnar and obviously Ronda Rousey are the only two Superstars who could do that because they both had UFC careers.

This brings the total number of confirmed Wrestlemania matches on the card to six:

Roman Reigns vs. Universal Champion Brock Lesnar

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. The WWE Champion (to be confirmed at Fastlane; The current champion is AJ Styles)

For those who are worried about him getting buried, Braun Strowman getting pinned by Roman Reigns won’t hurt him too much. It’s only the second time he’s been pinned since he became a solo Superstar, the first being vs. Brock Lesnar last year. I do see him making it on the card but I am hoping it will not involve the Andre The Giant Battle Royale.

The Tag Team Champions on both rosters have a bit of a problem: They’ve beaten everyone there is to face multiple times on their respective brands. Breezango + The Ascension aside, it appears The Bludgeon Brothers (Rowan and Harper) are being kept away from Smackdown Tag Team Titles for plot reasons. Could their title shot be getting saved for Wrestlemania or are they getting sent to RAW after Wrestlemania for a Wyatt Family Reunion?

On RAW, clearly a shakeup needs to happen and will hopefully happen after Wrestlemania since at least the Usos have The New Day and Shelton Benjamin + Chad Gable they can feud and it would never get old. The Usos are the best tag team in WWE period. They made that clear when they curb-stomped The Bar at Survivor Series.

After failing to win The Elimination Chamber Match as part of the RAW brand, John Cena cryptically said he would reach out to The Undertaker if it meant he would be on the card at Wrestlemania 34 before announcing he’s going to Smackdown. This prettymuch confirms ‘Taker will at least make an appearance if not have a match.

Triple H cryptically said “Wait and See” when asked about ‘Taker’s status back in January. As it happens, Cena got himself into Fastlane’s Main Event for the WWE Championship involving himself, AJ Styles and 4 other superstars (Dolph Ziggler, Kevin Owens, Baron Corbin and Sami Zayn). I don’t see Styles retaining this time or Cena winning personally given Nakamura is a Face. That means Ziggler, KO, Zayn (technically a Heel) or Corbin will win the match.

THEN the buildup for Cena vs. ‘Taker will begin. The obvious problem is ‘Taker is well past his prime. Cena said so himself during the buildup to his match with Roman Reigns at last year’s Summer Slam. ‘Taker himself realized his limits when he had to be carried out of the ring after his match with Triple H at Wrestlemania 27. That’s probably why Vince made the call for The Streak to end at Wrestlemania 30 vs. Lesnar. It would be believavble for one and at the same time it wouldn’t ruin the character.

Cena vs. ‘Taker…I feel like it’s Cena’s match to lose personally. He knows he’s gonna have to carry the match anyway. Even though ‘Taker’s past his prime, bringing him back to lose to Cena makes no sense. More so since it opens the possability ‘Taker would lose two years in a row, which I don’t see happening.

…Nevermind the fact Sting (still) wants a match with The Undertaker. Obviously won’t happen at Wrestlemania 34 but Sting is pretty adamant about having enough gas left in the tank to do one more match…and he’s saving it for The Phenom. Maybe next year.

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…I’m of course talking about New England Patiots LB Rob Gronkowski going up against Smackdown superstar and former NFL Player Mojo Rawley. Rawley Heel Turned a few months back when he attacked his now former partner Zack Ryder. Rawley had quite the year during the time his former partner was shelved due to injury, capped off by his winning the 2017 Andre The Giant Challenge at Wrestlemania 33.

After turning on Ryder, Rawley correctly noted the losing started when his partner returned and they resumed tag team competition as The Hype Bros. The above screenshot is of Rawley and Gronk getting hyped up before Rowley’s match with Jinder Mahal last year.

The Patriots LB wasn’t exactly pleased his best friend turned on his partner last year. With Gronk and the Patriots getting upset at the Super Bowl, don’t be surprised if you see Rawley start taking shots at him. Gronk didn’t rule out retiring even though he has two more years left on his contract with the Patriots. Not saying that’s happening anytime soon but Gronk making another Wrestlemania appearance wouldn’t interfere with is role as a member of the Patriots. Or rather, it shouldn’t.

…Let’s just continue where we left off in my previous post. First, the Women’s Royal Rumble.

Asuka, who remains undefeated due to plot armor won the first Women’s Royal Rumble. It goes without saying the pool of women available is much smaller than the pool of men so Hall of Famers and former Divas were called in to fill in the remaing slots:

Lita (of course)

Trish Stratus (of course)

Vicki Guerro (The one Joke entrant)

Beth Phoenix

Kelly Kelly

Jacqueline

Michelle McCool (The crowd chanted “Undertaker!” when she got into the ring since she is…you know…his wife)

Torrie Wilson

NXT Women’s Champion Ember Moon (Despite being injured)

NXT Superstar Kaire Sane (Won the 2017 Mae Young Classic)

The Women’s Royal Rumble was the main event and it stole the show. The Bella Twins made their in-ring return as well and not a step was missed. One would be hard-pressed to believe Brie had just given birth 6 months earlier. Nikki was one of the final two competators before she was eliminated by Asuka, who won the match.

As expected, several superstars had to work together to eliminate Nia Jaxx. Beth Phoenix was able to deadlft her but couldn’t get her over the top rope. Tamina participated as well but unlike Survivor Series, she and her cousin were not in the match at the same time. Lana also participated but like Vickie she was quickly eliminated.

Like in the Men’s Royal Rumble earlier in the night, someone was knocked out before they could get in the ring. In this case it was Carmella, who was decked by Vickie (who’d just been eliminated) with her Money in the Bank briefcase. Also like Kofi Kingston in the Men’s Royal Rumble, we saw someone creatively avoid being eliminated. It was Naomi. She was thrown out of the ring but landed on other superstars (some eliminated). As per the rules, since her feet did not touch the ground she wasn’t eliminated. She catwalked across the barricade, jumped on a chair and wheelbarrowed herself back to the ring. Clearly she did her homework. LOL.

…As a reminder, Maryse and Maria Kanellis are both pregnant and obviously couldn’t participate in the match (Though Maryse did do a photoshoot with The Miz the night before). Paige can’t compete either due to her career-ending injury as well. Stephanie provided commentary during the match as well.

Rowdy Ronda Rousey’s surprise intro came before she could name who she will challenge at Wrestlemania: RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss or Smackdown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair, who were both ringside for the Royal Rumble. Charlotte expressed her disappointment in not being able to participate in the match since she is the current Smackdown Women’s Champion. On the flipside, Alexa legit looked relieved by the time it was done. Until Rousey came out, that is.

As Stephanie McMahon said in the opening minutes of this week’s RAW, Asuka can take her time deciding. Between Asuka and Rousey, I would be very surprised if we don’t see a women’s match main event Wrestlemania.

…That aside, one potential Wrestlemania match was teased: Sasha Banks vs. Bayley. The Legit Boss going Heel has been teased for some time and I like the slow set up. She and Bayley will put on a classic at Wrestlemania. I say this given Sasha eliminated Bayley in the Royal Rumble match, then challenged Asuka–who is a Face–the following night on RAW. It was one hell of a match and both were spent but of course, Asuka outlasted Sasha. It doesn’t change the fact Sasha is definitely being set up for a Heel turn before or around the time Wrestlemania happens.

Shinsuke Nakamura won the Men’s Royal Rumble and will face AJ Styles at Wrestlemania for the WWE Championship. Nakamura and Styles did clash in other promotions but not in WWE. Until now. They’re sure to put on a classic.

Like the Women’s Royal Rumble, some potential matches were teased. Bray Wyatt vs. Woken Matt Hardy is pretty obvious. John Cena is putting someone over. I’d have said Roman Reigns but they already clashed at last year’s Summer Slam. I’d have said Samoa Joe but it’s unlikely he’ll be healthy in time for Wrestlemania.

Kurt Angle was clearly planned to make his in-ring return at Wrestlemania but due to the Menningitis outbreak he did it at TLC instead. Angle vs. Triple H could still happen but there is also the possability we could see Kurt Angle vs. Shane McMahon. Who can forget that time Kurt Angle suplexed Shane through a window pane?

Dolph Zigger made his return at the Royal Rumble. As of right now, he is not involved with the U.S. Championship Tournament. He’s been on a loosing streak but it’s certainly possible that will change with his sudden return.

Rey Mysterio made his surprise return at the Royal Rumble. The first thing I thought was “205 Live”, which badly needs the established star power his presence would bring to the Cruiserweight Division. Mysterio’s last WWE run ended a few years ago after his contract expired. His first match in the indie promotion he debuted in–can’t remember if it was Lucha Underground, I think it was–ended in tragedy when his opponent died in the ring. It was a freak accident of course but it prettymuch killed his run in the promotion before it could begin prettymuch. WWE has been trying to get him back ever since and now that no other promotion is willing to take a chance on the aging Mysterio–as a reminder, he’s in his 40s now–so his return now is win-win.

I mentioned earlier someone in the Mens Royal Rumble got knocked out before they could get in thr ring. It happned to two people. Ty Dillinger was ambushed by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn backstage, who had just lost their 2 on 1 Handicap Match against AJ Styles for the WWE Championship in the previous match. Zayn inserted himself in the Royal Rumble as Dillinger’s replacement (LOL). He lasted for a bit before he was eventually eliminated.

Zayn and KO were punished for that by being put in a tag match against AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura on Smackdown 2 nights later. Zayn left KO high and dry right before the finish, confirming what I first thought when they teamed up last year: Zayn was just using him as a means to an end. Now their rivalry will likely get them a match on the card for Wrestlemania if things go as they are now. As a reminder: Zayn has yet to win a title since coming to the main roster from NXT. KO became the first superstar to hold the top titles of RAW and Smackdown after the brand split (Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss have since done the equivalent). It’s no secret Zayn has been envious of KO’s success.

…The other person who got knocked out at the Royal Rumble was unsurprisingly. Heath Slater. Poor guy has had some crazy bad luck lately.

By this time The WWE Universe knew both Lesnar and Goldberg would be leaving the company after Wrestlemania. For this reason, the two biggest up and coming superstars at the time–the WCW Veteran Goldberg and The Next Big Thing Brock Lesnar–were booked in a match with each other. The house crowd made it clear how they felt about both superstars leaving as they made their way down to the ring.

Stone Cold Steve Austin, who had his retirement match against The Rock at the Wrestlemania was the guest referee. He would later say he was beside himself to not react to the rage and anger from house crowd, who made their feelings known to Lesnar and Goldberg about both superstars leaving. Lesnar, whose contract disputes with WWE were already widely known got it the loudest. This was likely why after the match, he was dropped by Stone Cold to appease the crowd. Austin would share a beer with Goldberg before dropping him in kind as well to appease the crowd.

Lesnar would later go on to have a run in UFC while Goldberg disappeared from the public completely. Lesnar would make his return to WWE in 2012. Now older, wiser and more experienced, it didn’t take long for him to quickly erase the memories of how his first WWE tenure ended. Goldberg would make his return four years later in 2016.

As was revealed in WWE 24: Goldberg, Goldberg tweaked his shoulder during the promo he did with Rusev a few weeks before Survivor Series. This plus the short time he had to prepare for Survivor Series confirmed why the Survivor Series match was a squash match.

…It’s fitting that Goldberg and Lesnar would meet at Wrestlemania 33 given they both left WWE on bad terms 13 years earlier at Wrestlemania XX. Obviously, it was important to Goldberg to erase the memories of his last Wrestlemania appearance not just for himself and his son but for the fans as well.

How fitting that his opponent would once again be Brock Lensar, who was keenly aware of their shared history. The story goes, Lesnar made the call for their Survivor Series match to be a squash match to build towards their rematch at Wrestlemania. Goldberg needed to be Over with the fans so…yeah.

His standing with the WWE Universe restored, Goldberg left the door open for future returns to the ring. Being 50 years old, obviously any future matches he has would have to keep this in mind: His WWE 24 showed the spirit is willing but the ring rust and how long he’s been away will be major factors.

…Boy, WWE sure didn’t keep us waiting on this bit of news: It was announced during tonight’s episode of RAW that the former Undefeated NXT Champion will debut on Raw “soon”. They left this off live programming but Asuka is recovering from wear and tear currently but will likely make her debut in a few weeks.

My guess is they will wait until after No Mercy and Hell in a Cell. Assuming she debuts as a Face, Nia Jaxx will lilely walk out of the RAW-exclusive No Mercy with the Women’s Championship.

Why?

Because of this matchup being built by WWE.com:

…I think we can assume the match WILL happen and likely soon. WWE wouldn’t “tease” this themselves unless they know 100% they can or already got Rousey to commit to an actual match.

A few sources reported last week Rousey has been working out with The Brian Kendrick in recent weeks in preperation for her eventual WWE debut. Let us not also forget Ric Flair revealed in a recent interview (before he was hospitalized) he would like to see Rousey fight his daughter. Looks like it’s gonna happen. My guess is the match will likely happen at Survivor Series. That makes the most sense. It could happen at the Smackdown-exclusive Hell in a Cell PPV but they’ll likely want to use a few weeks to build the match.

The obvious question then becomes how do they use Ronda until her match? She would be a HUGE draw on Smackdown even just building her match with Charlotte. It would easily be a main event match as well because of Rousey being involved. Charlotte would obviously Heel turn for the match (she’s currently a Face) opposite Babyface Rousey.

Both the MMA and Wrestling worlds are anxiously awaiting the day we get to see Rousey step into the Squared Circle and dominate once again. Her MMA career is prettymuch done but a WWE run would make her relevant again. That’s what happened to Brock Lesnar when he went to UFC. When he returned to WWE 8 years later, he only had to say jump and Vince would ask “How high?” Rousey can easly have that same kind of pull in WWE.

Plus we all know it’s very likely we’ll see Rousey vs. Stephanie at Wrestlemania 34 next year.